Dhaka: Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the third and final T20 game today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The match will begin at 6pm and will be aired live on T Sports and Nagorik TV. The hosts have already secured the series with a 2-0 lead, marking their first-ever T20 series victory against Pakistan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh is determined to make it 3-0 against Pakistan as a form of revenge for their previous whitewash during the Pakistan tour in May. Since then, Bangladesh has shown significant improvement, winning four consecutive matches in this format-two against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan. The first two victories were crucial in achieving their inaugural T20 series win against Sri Lanka.
Jaker Ali Anik, who played a pivotal role with a 39-ball 56 in the series-confirming victory, stated that the target is to win the final match. He emphasized that Bangladesh is not underestimating Pakistan despite securing the series with ease. Jaker noted that Pakistan put up a tough fight in the second match, which Bangladesh eventually won.
The third match against Pakistan is potentially Bangladesh's final international fixture before the Asia Cup, scheduled from September 5 to 21. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is attempting to organize additional matches after India's tour was postponed, which included three ODIs and a T20 series.
For Bangladesh, this match serves as a last opportunity to finalize their team composition and test bench strength. If successful, Pakistan will be the seventh team to be whitewashed by Bangladesh in a T20 series, joining the ranks of Ireland, England, West Indies, Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan.
In their head-to-head record, Bangladesh has played 24 matches against Pakistan, securing five wins and facing 19 losses. The squads for both teams have been announced, with Liton Das leading Bangladesh and Salman Ali Agha captaining Pakistan.